The Little Apron
As a child, we were often at my grandparents’ cozy home in Wisconsin. In their kitchen was a drawer that contained a little blue and red apron. That apron was for me! I remember the little apron clearly to this day. It was stored in the bottom drawer, to the left of the sink, folded neatly as it awaited the next culinary adventure.
Nonna has always been an incredible cook and generously taught me all she knew about cooking as soon as it was possible. Like my mom, Nonna, and countless others before us, food is how we show our love. I am grateful for the ways that God has partnered with my Nonna to instill this love of cooking in my heart. You will not leave our houses hungry.
I believe God gave me this love of cooking as a way to love others, serve my family, and be hospitable to anyone who needs a warm meal. Naturally, the kitchen is where our family and friends gather often. There is a tall stack of family recipes in my cupboard from years of meals made and shared with loved ones across generations. Like this stack of cherished family recipes we pass down, we must also be intentional about the spiritual heritage we leave for our children and families.
A larger apron is folded neatly in my kitchen today, but I often find myself reminiscing on the wonderful times I had with Nonna in her cozy kitchen. The lessons, the recipes, the faith. I find myself considering how I will faithfully pour into my children over the steady whir of the stand mixer while cookies are baking. How will I share my testimony with them over the chopping of vegetables or the stirring of stews and soups? What questions will they ask me about Jesus during a simple meal we share together?
All I know is, I will be ready. With delicious recipes in hand and the steady faith I hold in my heart. I thank Jesus for the opportunity to share His wisdom and love with my family in this way. Thank You, Jesus, for my own precious memories in the little apron, and for the faith that was passed down from the generations before me.
The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. Psalm 145: 3-5 (CSB)
